The new commonplace
The Pixel 7 is Google’s newest flagship telephone, taking what we cherished concerning the Pixel 6 and refining it. Thanks to the brand new Tensor G2, the Pixel 7 has tons of helpful AI options to find.
ForA lot of enjoyable digicam featuresUnique design5-year software program promiseCheaperAgainstNo telephoto90Hz showOnly three OS upgradesSlower charging and not using a Google charger
The outdated commonplace
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 could also be small, however it packs an enormous chunk because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Not solely does it carry out quick, however it has a clean 120Hz show and nice cameras to seize topics from completely different focal lengths.
ForVersatile triple digicam setupSleek design large collection of colorsSmooth 120Hz displayGreat performanceAgainstCan get actually hotSlower to obtain new OS upgradesSlow shutter speedExpensive
Google’s newest flagship is lastly right here, and whereas it isn’t an enormous leap ahead from the Pixel 6, the brand new Pixel 7 continues to be a powerful telephone, not less than on paper. Given the timing of its launch, the Pixel 7 is predicted to go up in opposition to a few of the finest flagships from 2023. However, since we do not have these but, we’ll have to match it with 2022 flagships corresponding to Samsung’s Galaxy S22.Both telephones symbolize entry-level flagship telephones, making it an acceptable comparability. Yet, with an already somewhat-outdated chipset and smaller show, can the Galaxy S22 maintain a candle to the newer Pixel 7? Now that I’ve spent a while with Google’s newest flagship, I can inform you how each telephones carry out in the actual world.Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Looks are everythingWhy you possibly can belief Android Central
Our skilled reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you possibly can select the very best for you. Find out extra about how we check.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)They say seems aren’t all the things, however they’re undoubtedly essential. Samsung appeared to all the time put its finest foot ahead relating to design, one thing Google did not actually work out till the Pixel 6 sequence. That stated, Google just about nailed it with final 12 months’s flagship, giving it a modern design that really appeared like a flagship telephone. That design language continues with the brand new Pixel 7, which seems completely beautiful with its shiny chassis, flat show, and distinctive digicam visor.Both the Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 sport comparable designs in comparison with their respective predecessors and are largely refinements of what got here earlier than. However, the small modifications actually matter. For occasion, the Pixel 7 has a digicam visor that’s coated in largely aluminum, changing the glass from the Pixel 6. This approach, solely the digicam sensors are uncovered, and there is a lot much less concern concerning the visor cracking resulting from a fall.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)For the Galaxy S22, the variations are minimal. The sides, for instance, are a lot flatter, which truly provides the telephone a reasonably good aesthetic. Dare I say; it is virtually iPhone-like. Of course, whether or not or not you want that’s solely as much as you. The Pixel has extra rounded edges, and if it is something like its predecessor, it will have a slippery again which will warrant placing a case on to keep away from dropping it. The Galaxy S22 has frosted glass on the again, which is not very slippery and fewer susceptible to fingerprints. However, the flat edges could make for a much less snug expertise when holding the machine. Still, each units really feel nice in hand.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)One place the place the Galaxy S22 wins is the colour choices. The Pixel 7 retains issues moderately easy with black, white, and a considerably unappealing yellow. The digicam visor is coloured barely in a different way from the remainder of the chassis in grey, silver, and gold to match the respective shade choices. Still, there is not an intensive checklist of colours to select from, and those current are both uninteresting or simply ugly.Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 is available in a number of base colours, together with a good looking inexperienced that appears largely blue, relying on the sunshine. There are additionally a handful of unique colorways you should purchase straight from Samsung, giving shoppers loads of choices for a telephone that matches their private fashion.Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Hardware and specs(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Now that we’re completed judging a guide by its cowl, let’s speak {hardware} and specs. Both of those telephones launched with the most recent chipsets of their respective occasions. For the Galaxy S22, that was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, whereas the Pixel 7 will get a brand-new Tensor G2 chip.The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which began transport on telephones in early 2022, had its share of issues, significantly with warmth administration. These have been well-documented on the Galaxy S22, and in my use, the telephone nonetheless will get sizzling whereas performing the only of duties. That stated, the Galaxy S22 continues to be speedy and performs properly, even whereas gaming. Just put a case on, and you will not actually discover the warmth.The new Tensor G2 chip seems to be an iterative improve to the unique Tensor. Still, the Pixel 7 performs admirably because it’s Google’s in-house design, and the telephone is simply as responsive as one would anticipate from a Pixel flagship.Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 Google Pixel 7Samsung Galaxy S22Working SystemAndroid 13 (Pixel UI)One UI 4.1 primarily based on Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 13)Display6.3-inches, FHD+ (1080 x 2400), OLED, as much as 90Hz6.1-inchesChipsetTensor G2Snapdragon 8 Gen 1RAM8GB8GBStorage128/256GB128/256GBBattery & Charging4355mAh, 21W wired, 20W wireless3,700mAh, 25W wired, 15W wi-fiRear Camera 150MP, wide-angle, ƒ/1.85, 1.2μm50MP, wide-angle, ƒ/1.8, 1.0μmRear Camera 212MP, ultrawide, ƒ/2.2, 1.25μm, 114°12MP, ultrawide, ƒ/2.55, 1.4μm, 120°Rear Camera 3❌10MP, telephoto, ƒ/2.4, 1.0μm, 3x zoomSelfie Camera10.8MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22μm, 80°10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22μm, 92.8°Connectivity5G (sub-6, mmWave), Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E5G (sub-6, mmWave), Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6ProtectionIP68, Gorilla Glass VictusIP68, Gorilla Glass Victus+Dimensions73.2 x 155.6 x 8.770.6 x 146 x 7.6mmWeight197g167gColorsObsidian, Snow, LemongrassPhantom White, Phantom Black, Green, Pink Gold, Bora Purple, different Samsung-exclusive colorwaysWhen it involves on-paper specs, the Galaxy S22 seems to have a little bit of an edge over the Pixel 7. For instance, Samsung’s show could also be a bit smaller (and arguably extra snug to deal with), however the Galaxy S22 sports activities a variable 120Hz refresh price, which is quicker than the Pixel 7’s 90Hz. Because of this, scrolling and animations on the Galaxy show needs to be a lot smoother.The Galaxy S22 additionally has an extra digicam sensor on the again for telephoto photographs, though we’ll speak about that later.The Pixel 7 undoubtedly wins relating to battery life, given its bigger 4355mAh battery. In my use, I can simply get via a full workday if I take the Pixel 7 off the charger at 5 am after I begin my day and even the night time earlier than. Depending on my use, I may even handle a complete 24 hours on a single cost. The Galaxy S22 will get me nowhere near this, with the telephone virtually screaming for a charger by midday.The Galaxy S22 will high up its battery a bit faster because of a mixture of quicker 25W charging and a smaller battery capability. The Pixel 7 helps wired charging as much as 20W with a suitable Google charger, which the corporate says can get to 50% in 30 minutes. This is not too removed from my expertise, and whereas it does not have the quickest charging, it could get an honest cost in about half an hour. Fortunately, it fills up quicker than the Pixel 6 Pro, which is among the slowest-charging flagship smartphones I’ve encountered.Regarding connectivity, these telephones are fairly comparable, supporting all of the 5G flavors, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.2. However, the Pixel ups the ante with Wi-Fi 6E, whereas the Galaxy S22 solely has Wi-Fi 6.Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Cameras(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)When it involves cameras, these telephones are very comparable, not less than on paper. Both have 50MP major shooters and 12MP ultrawide sensors. However, as I discussed earlier than, the Pixel 7 has an unlucky drawback resulting from its lack of a devoted telephoto digicam, that means you may need to rely solely on digital zoom if you happen to wanna get a great shot of a live performance stage and also you’re someplace within the again. That stated, it isn’t all dangerous.In my expertise, the Galaxy S22 takes completely sufficient photographs. They’re detailed, shiny, and lots vibrant with out being overly so. However, whereas they’re fairly good, they’re nothing to run dwelling about. In truth, if I want a great picture (significantly for a evaluation or one thing), I’ll usually attain for the Pixel 7 first.It’s nothing in opposition to Samsung, however Google has actually nailed its computational pictures. And now that the corporate has lastly adopted newer, higher-resolution sensors, it has many extra pixels to work with to create nice photographs. The photographs taken with the Pixel 7 simply have extra depth to them, which in my view, makes them look a lot nicer than what the Galaxy S22 can produce from its major sensor. The Pixel 7 provides loads of distinction and element, even when photographs aren’t as shiny because the Galaxy S22. Images from the Pixel are additionally hotter, which may work in its favor relying in your desire.And to assist with the shortage of telephoto zoom, the Pixel 7 has Super Res Zoom. Yet, whereas the Pixel 7’s Super Res Zoom can solely attain as much as 8x, it is nonetheless fairly good when in comparison with the S22’s 3x optical sensor.That is, except you really want that 30x digital zoom on the Galaxy S22, which has helped me take some incredible photographs of the moon and different far-off topics. The Pixel 7 can solely get me so shut, and regardless that high quality degrades the extra I zoom with the S22, it nonetheless turns out to be useful for some photographs.8x zoom of the moon taken on the Pixel 7 (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)30x zoom of the moon taken on the Galaxy S22 (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)In addition to Super Res Zoom, Google can be touting loads of options like Motion Mode, Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, Face Unblur, and tons of different AI-based options to assist get you the absolute best picture. Of course, Samsung additionally has some methods up its sleeve too, like handbook picture and video modes, Single Take, and Object Eraser, the latter of which I’m fairly a fan of.When it involves low mild, Samsung has actually centered on enhancing on this entrance and has nailed it, in my view. When evaluating photographs with my 7 with Night Mode turned off, the Galaxy S22 pulls in far more mild, whereas the Pixel doesn’t attempt to brighten up photographs in any respect. However, the Pixel actually shines (pun meant) with Night Sight on, though I nonetheless discover that the Galaxy S22 photographs are brighter, which appears to be the case in nearly any situation.Google has additionally improved video seize on the Pixel 7. The Galaxy S22 takes incredible video as much as 4K60 and performs very properly in low mild. The Pixel sequence is not precisely recognized for video high quality, however Google has been enhancing on this entrance, significantly with the Pixel 6 sequence. Now, video will be captured in 10-bit HDR, which I’ve seen makes footage much more vibrant. The Galaxy S22 can seize HDR10+ video as a Labs characteristic, which additionally punches up the footage.One fascinating characteristic on the Pixel 7 is Cinematic Blur, which is supposed to provide a movie-like depth of discipline to your movies by utilizing AI to intelligently blur the background whereas the topic stays in focus. This characteristic has labored with various success on different smartphones, though they by no means appear to get it fairly proper. I’ve tried Portrait Video with the Galaxy S22, and it appears a lot improved, though actually solely works with folks. The Pixel 7 works with objects, though you may get higher outcomes with faces within the body. It’s not good, however each are massive enhancements over earlier makes an attempt in previous years.Video nonetheless utilizing Cinematic Blur on the Pixel 7 (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Portrait Video nonetheless on the Galaxy S22 (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Both take first rate selfies, though neither are good. The brighter photographs can work within the Galaxy S22’s favor in some scenes, but additionally work in opposition to it in others. Selfies are additionally a bit delicate, which I’m not an enormous fan of. Meanwhile, the Pixel 7 takes very detailed selfies because of the upgraded 10.8MP digicam, however they usually really feel over processed.I’ll say that one downfall of the Galaxy S22 digicam is its gradual shutter button. Sometimes it could take a couple of second for it to really seize the picture after urgent the button, which can lead to some blurry photographs or simply lacking the second altogether. If you really want an in-the-moment image, the Pixel 7 will seemingly get you the quickest and clearest picture.That stated, the Pixel 7 does not have any handbook options for customers that basically wish to take management of the photographs of video they seize. It’s all completed with AI. For an novice videographer like myself, that is a little bit of a bummer, because the output from the Pixel might not all the time come out how you prefer to. The Pixel does make up for this by permitting RAW seize, however which means you must go in after-the-fact to edit versus making in-the-moment tweaks.All-in-all-both telephones have nice cameras and quite a lot of enjoyable options. If you favor brighter photographs and wish to get actually near your topic, the Galaxy S22 is the telephone to get. If you favor extra detailed photographs with a bit extra depth and distinction, the Pixel is your telephone.Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Software and help(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)As far because the precise software program, each flavors of Android have a special really feel to them. Samsung’s One UI is way cleaner, in my view, though it is virtually stoic when in comparison with the extra bubbly Pixel UI. Everything on the Pixel is simply greater, from the brightness and quantity sliders to the fast settings toggles and plenty of elements of the notification shade. I’m not a fan of how the Pixel UI offers with house, as UI components are inclined to take up extra of it than they need to. I personally favor Samsung’s extra condensed tackle these identical UI components, particularly since I can match as much as six fast settings toggles in a single row.However, if you happen to care about software program help, look no additional than both of those smartphones. Both Google and Samsung have upped the ante relating to long-term help, and the Pixel 7 and Galaxy S22 have a few of the most spectacular help guarantees of any of the very best Android telephones.On the one hand, the Galaxy S22 has a greater lifespan, as Samsung has promised 4 OS upgrades and 5 years of safety updates. Samsung can be fast to replace its telephones with month-to-month safety patches, usually forward of Google, which sticks to a specific cadence. On the opposite hand, the Galaxy S22 launched with Android 12 and has already been upgraded to One UI 5 primarily based on Android 13 quickly, that means it’ll obtain three extra upgrades as much as Android 16 and an extra 12 months of software program help. So whereas the Pixel 7 will obtain one much less OS improve, it’ll nonetheless handle to obtain Android 16 for the reason that telephone launches with Android 13 out of the field.(Image credit score: Android Central)Samsung is understood to come back with smaller characteristic upgrades every now and then, often within the type of a degree improve like One UI 3.1 or One UI 4.1. However, there’s not a lot rhyme or purpose to those updates, and we often have to attend for main releases or quarterly Android characteristic updates to obtain new options.Meanwhile, the Pixel sequence would often obtain these new options properly earlier than everybody else, because of Google’s Quarterly Feature Drops. Many options showcased in these updates often roll out a lot later to different Android telephones, giving Pixel customers first dibs on enjoyable new software program.Still, each units are primarily on the heart of their respective ecosystems; Google with the Pixel household and Nest units, and Samsung with One UI and SmartThings. Fortunately, you possibly can dip into both or regardless of which telephone you select, however you may have essentially the most seamless expertise by staying on-brand. So make sure that to seize that new Pixel Watch if you happen to’re grabbing the Pixel 7 or the Galaxy Watch 5 if you happen to’re getting a Galaxy S22.Google Pixel 7 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22: Which do you have to purchase?(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)As somebody who makes use of Samsung as a major machine, I’ve to confess this can be a onerous one. The Galaxy S22 provides a fantastic software program expertise with ample help, good cameras, and quick efficiency, all in a trendy and pocketable design. In truth, throughout my time with the Pixel 7, I could not wait to get again to my Galaxy S22.However, regardless of the Pixel’s shortcomings, I’ve to confess that it is most likely a greater worth for most individuals. The Pixel has wonderful cameras that use software program to compensate for the shortage of a telephoto lens, and picture high quality is great. There’s no query that Google’s imaging prowess is tough to match, and the Pixel 7 is among the finest digicam experiences you possibly can ask for on a smartphone.Not solely that, however Google’s AI options are extraordinarily handy and enjoyable, and the Tensor G2 chip ought to present regular efficiency it doesn’t matter what you are doing. Not to say, you may get a lot better battery life out of the Pixel, which many customers search for in a smartphone.As I stated, the Galaxy S22 isn’t any slouch, and I’d nonetheless suggest it to anybody who asks. However, this can be a little bit of an ungainly time for the S22, particularly as rumors of the Galaxy S23 sequence begin to ramp up. The mixture of the upcoming Galaxy S23 launch plus the slightly costly $799 price ticket is a bit onerous to justify at this level, particularly when in comparison with the $599 Pixel. If yow will discover some good offers, go for the Galaxy. Otherwise, the Pixel provides far more worth.
You will not be upset with the Pixel 7. It has the most recent chipset from Google, and its upgraded cameras imply the tip of blurry photographs and even quicker night time photographs.
The Galaxy S22 is a little bit of a splurge, however with it comes superb software program, nice cameras, and a tool that performs properly it doesn’t matter what you throw at it.